Service Director - SEND & Inclusion

AS-151

£400 - £800 Per Day

Full Time

Contract

London, Greater London

Social Care

Posted 20 hours ago

Expires In 28 Days

Job Description

This role is responsible for driving the strategic vision, statutory compliance, and operational delivery of services for children and young people (0-25) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring an inclusive, high-quality, and cost-effective service.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the SEND and Inclusion strategy, aligning with local and national education agendas to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Statutory Compliance: Act as the lead for fulfilling all statutory duties, including Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans, annual reviews, and ensuring SEND legislative compliance.
Operational Management: Direct the operational delivery of SEND services, ensuring quality assurance, timely interventions, and effective transitions.
Financial Management: Accountable for the High Needs Block budget, managing resources effectively to meet service demands while ensuring value for money.
Partnership Working: Collaborate with education, health, and social care partners, as well as parents, carers, and schools to build a collaborative, "one council" approach.
Inspection Readiness: Lead on Ofsted/CQC Local Area SEND inspection preparation and ensure continuous quality improvements.
Leadership and Transformation: Lead change management programs, restructuring services to improve performance and responsiveness

Person Specification: Experience & Skills

Substantial Experience: Significant experience in leading complex SEND or education services within a local government or similar environment.
SEND Knowledge: Deep, working knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and relevant legislation (e.g., Children and Families Act 2014).
Leadership Capabilities: Proven capability to lead large teams through change and to influence key stakeholders at a senior level.
Strategic Budget Skills: Proven success in managing large, complex budgets and working with reducing resources.
Qualifications: A degree-level qualification or equivalent, often accompanied by a management qualification